Angularly adjustable housing mount assembly

ABSTRACT

A bracket assembly is used to secure a housing to a support structure such as a post, wall or ceiling. The bracket assembly includes an inner bracket, an outer bracket and a connector. The inner bracket is configured to be mounted on the support structure separately from the outer bracket, and the outer bracket is configured to be quickly mounted on the inner bracket. The outer bracket and connector are joined by a ball and socket joint. Angular adjustment of the ball relative to the socket is made prior to mounting of the outer bracket on the inner bracket, and the desired orientation is maintained using a clamping assembly. The bracket assembly includes sealing features that prevent moisture from entering the assembly.

BACKGROUND

Audio systems are frequently used in residences and commercial buildingsto provide ambiance and/or to allow announcements to be made. Forexample, audio systems may be provided in malls, restaurants, hotels,office buildings, airports and train stations. They may also beinstalled outdoors to provide sound delivery, for example to parks,train platforms and parking lots. Audio systems may include an audiosource, an amplifier, a control unit for controlling the audio sourceand amplifier, and speakers. Typically, the speakers are housed inspeaker cabinets that are distributed throughout the sound coveragearea, and are connected to the control unit via speaker wires. It isdesirable to mount the speaker cabinets on a support structure such as apost, wall or ceiling using an unobtrusive mounting system. Moreover, itis desirable to be able to adjust the angular orientation of the speakercabinet relative to the support structure in order to direct soundemitted from the speaker in a desired direction.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, a bracket assembly for connecting a housing to asupport structure includes an outer bracket. The outer bracket includesan outer base, and a spherical ball connected to the outer base via aball stem that protrudes from an outward facing surface of the outerbase. The ball includes a ball through hole that extends through theball in a direction parallel to the outward facing surface of the outerbase. One end of the ball through hole opens at a first end of theball—and an opposed end of the ball through hole opens at second end ofthe ball. The ball includes a first outer bracket passageway thatextends through the ball stem. One end of the first outer bracketpassageway communicates with the ball through hole and an opposed end ofthe first outer bracket passageway communicates with an opening in theouter base. In addition, the ball includes a second outer bracketpassageway that extends through the ball. One end of the second outerbracket passageway communicates with the ball through hole and anopposed end of the second outer bracket passageway communicates with anopening in the ball. The bracket assembly includes an inner bracket thatis configured to secure the outer bracket to the support structure. Theinner bracket is at least partially disposed within the outer bracket,and an endwall of the inner bracket includes an opening that is alignedwith the first outer bracket passageway. The bracket assembly includes aconnector having a connector plate that is secured to the housing and asocket that is connected to the connector plate via a socket stem. Thesocket includes a spherical socket inner surface that confronts an outersurface of the ball and a spherical socket outer surface. The socketstem includes a socket stem passageway. One end of the socket stempassageway opens at the socket inner surface and an opposed end of thesocket stem passageway communicates with an opening in the connectorplate. The bracket assembly includes a cap having a spherical cap innersurface that confronts the socket outer surface and a cap through holethat extends between the cap inner surface and a cap outer surface. Thebracket assembly includes an internally threaded pin disposed in theball through hole. The bracket assembly includes a fastener having afastener first end that abuts the cap outer surface. The fastenerextends through the cap through hole and has an external thread that isengaged with the pin internal surface. The fastener cooperates with thepin in such a way that the socket is clamped between the ball and thecap whereby the position of the socket is fixed relative to the positionof the ball. The bracket assembly includes an electrically conductivewire that extends through an interior of the bracket assembly. Thebracket assembly includes a first seal, a second seal and a third seal.The first seal is disposed between the wire and the opening in the outerbase, and is configured to prevent moisture from entering a spacebetween the inner bracket and the outer bracket. The second seal isdisposed on an outward facing surface of the endwall of the innerbracket. In addition, the third seal is disposed between the outerbracket and the inner bracket. The third seal encircles an electricalterminal that is disposed in an interior space between the inner bracketand the outer bracket.

In some embodiments, the first seal and the fourth seal each comprisecylindrical wiring harness seals that are configured to plug a gapbetween the wire and the respective opening.

In some embodiments, the third seal is a gasket having a rectangularframe shape.

In some embodiments, the third seal is disposed between an inclinedsurface of an inner ramp formed on the inner surface of the innerbracket and an inclined surface of an outer ramp formed on the innersurface of the outer bracket.

In some embodiments, the third seal is disposed between an inclinedsurface of an inner ramp formed on the inner surface of the innerbracket and an inclined surface of an outer ramp formed on the innersurface of the outer bracket.

In some embodiments, the second seal is a sheet of sealing material thatoverlies the outward facing surface of the inner bracket.

In some embodiments, the bracket assembly includes a fourth seal that isdisposed between the wire and an opening in the housing, and the fourthseal is configured to prevent moisture from entering the housing.

In some embodiments, the wire has a first end that is electricallyconnected to the electrical terminal and a second end that is disposedoutside the bracket assembly. In addition, the wire passes through theopening in the outer base, the second outer bracket passageway, thefirst outer bracket passageway, the third outer bracket passageway, theopening in the ball, the socket stem passageway, and the opening in theconnector plate.

In some aspects, an audio speaker device includes a speaker cabinet, anda bracket assembly that is secured to the speaker cabinet and isconfigured to connect the speaker cabinet to a support structure. Thebracket assembly includes an outer bracket that has an outer base, and aspherical ball connected to the outer base via a ball stem thatprotrudes from an outward facing surface of the outer base. The ballincludes a ball through hole that extends through the ball in adirection parallel to the outward facing surface of the outer base. Oneend of the ball through hole opens at a first end of the ball and anopposed end of the ball through hole opens at second end of the ball.The ball includes a first outer bracket passageway that extends throughthe ball stem. One end of the first outer bracket passagewaycommunicates with the ball through hole and an opposed end of the firstouter bracket passageway communicates with an opening in the outer base.In addition, the ball includes a second outer bracket passageway thatextends through the ball. One end of the second outer bracket passagewaycommunicates with the ball through hole and an opposed end of the secondouter bracket passageway communicates with an opening in the ball. Thebracket assembly includes an inner bracket that is configured to securethe outer bracket to the support structure. The inner bracket is atleast partially disposed within the outer bracket. An endwall of theinner bracket includes an opening that is aligned with the first outerbracket passageway. The bracket assembly includes a connector having aconnector plate that is secured to the speaker cabinet and a socket thatis connected to the connector plate via a socket stem. The socketincludes a spherical socket inner surface that confronts an outersurface of the ball and a spherical socket outer surface. The socketstem includes a socket stem passageway. One end of the socket stempassageway opens at the socket inner surface and an opposed end of thesocket stem passageway communicates with an opening in the connectorplate. The bracket assembly includes a cap having a spherical cap innersurface that confronts the socket outer surface and a cap through holethat extends between the cap inner surface and a cap outer surface. Thebracket assembly includes an internally threaded pin disposed in theball through hole. The bracket assembly includes a fastener having afastener first end that abuts the cap outer surface. The fastenerextends through the cap through hole and has an external thread that isengaged with the pin internal surface. The fastener cooperates with thepin in such a way that the socket is clamped between the ball and thecap whereby the position of the socket is fixed relative to the positionof the ball. The bracket assembly includes an electrically conductivewire that extends through an interior of the bracket assembly. Thebracket assembly includes a first seal, a second seal, a third seal anda fourth seal. The first seal is disposed between the wire and theopening in the outer base, and the first seal is configured to preventmoisture from entering a space between the inner bracket and the outerbracket. The second seal is disposed on an outward facing surface of theendwall of the inner bracket. The third seal is disposed between theouter bracket and the inner bracket. The third seal encircles anelectrical terminal that is disposed in an interior space between theinner bracket and the outer bracket. The fourth seal is disposed betweenthe wire and an opening in the speaker cabinet, and the fourth seal isconfigured to prevent moisture from entering the speaker cabinet.

In some embodiments, the first seal and the fourth seal each comprisecylindrical wiring harness seals that are configured to plug a gapbetween the wire and the respective opening.

In some embodiments, the third seal is a gasket having a rectangularframe shape.

In some embodiments, the third seal is disposed between an inclinedsurface of an inner ramp formed on the inner surface of the innerbracket and an inclined surface of an outer ramp formed on the innersurface of the outer bracket.

In some embodiments, the third seal is compressed between the innerbracket and the outer bracket.

In some embodiments, the second seal is a sheet of sealing material thatoverlies the outward facing surface of the inner bracket.

In some embodiments, the wire has a first end that is electricallyconnected to the electrical terminal and a second end that is disposedoutside the bracket assembly, the wire passing through the opening inthe outer base, the second outer bracket passageway, the first outerbracket passageway, the third outer bracket passageway, the opening inthe ball, the socket stem passageway, and the opening in the connectorplate.

In some aspects, the bracket assembly is used to secure a speakerdisposed in a speaker cabinet to a support structure such as a post,wall or ceiling. The bracket assembly includes an inner bracket, anouter bracket and a connector. The inner bracket is configured to bemounted on the support structure, and includes electrical connectorsthat may be electrically connected to the speaker wires of the audiosystem. The outer bracket is configured to be mounted on the innerbracket and includes electrical connectors that automatically engagewith the electrical connectors of the inner bracket when the outerbracket is mounted on the inner bracket. By this configuration, theinner bracket can be mounting at an initial time for example during anearly stage of building construction, and the remainder of the bracketassembly and the speaker can be installed at a subsequent time, forexample a late or finishing stage of building construction. As a result,damage to, or theft of, the speaker is avoided during buildingconstruction.

The inner and outer brackets each include surface features thatcooperate to allow a quick and reliable mechanical connection of theouter bracket to the inner bracket. The surface features are alsoconfigured to guide the outer bracket electrical connectors intoengagement with the inner bracket electrical connectors as themechanical connection is made. This feature reduces the effort requiredto mount the speaker since the speaker including the speaker cabinet canbe relatively large and heavy. Providing the electrical connectionswithin the inner bracket may also reduce installation time since theinstaller only needs to make a simple electrical connection between theinner bracket and the speaker wire. Optionally, the inner bracket may becovered with a dust cover, and the final installation of the remainderof the speaker bracket assembly and speaker may take place at a muchlater time and no further wiring is needed.

In some aspects, the interconnection between the outer bracket and theconnector is configured to allow the angular orientation of the speakercabinet to be adjusted relative to the inner bracket. Theinterconnection between the outer bracket and the connector is a balland socket connection that allows articulation over a wide range ofangles in two orthogonal planes. For example, when the bracket assemblyis mounted to a wall or other vertical support surface, the ball andsocket connection allows the speaker cabinet to be adjusted over a rangeof plus or minus 45 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the ballstem in a horizontal plane regardless of vertical plane position, and tobe adjusted downward over a range of 0 degrees to 45 degrees relative tothe longitudinal axis of the ball stem in a vertical plane, regardlessof horizontal plane position. This can be compared to some conventionalbracket assemblies that provide angular adjustment in both the verticaland horizontal plane, but that are formed such that horizontaladjustability is zero or minimal while also adjusted to 45 degreesvertically downward.

Advantageously, the outer bracket including the ball and the connectorincluding the socket are assembled together independently of the innerwall bracket, and the relative angular orientation of the socketrelative to the ball may be adjusted and fixed prior to mounting theouter bracket to the inner bracket. For example, an installer can setthe speaker cabinet angle by adjusting the relative angle of the outerbracket and connector while standing on the ground, and after theadjustment is made and set can then climb a ladder and use the quickconnect electrical and mechanical connection features to quickly andeasily mount the outer bracket along with the speaker cabinet to theinner bracket. This feature avoids a common situation in which theinstaller must adjust a speaker bracket and mount it to a supportstructure while supporting the weight of the speaker including thespeaker cabinet, or enlist the aid of another installer who can supportthe speaker while the first installer secures and adjusts the bracket.

The bracket assembly including the ball and socket connection alsoprovides an internal passageway for the speaker wires. Thus, the speakerwires that connect the speakers within the speaker cabinet to a remoteaudio source are completely hidden from view, whereby the appearance ofthe audio system is improved, the speaker cabinet and bracket assemblyare made less obtrusive, and damage and/or theft protection is furtherimproved.

In some aspects, the outer bracket includes a ball that is mounted to anouter base via ball stem, and the connection portion includes a socketthat is mounted to a connector plate via a socket stem, and the socketis configured to receive the ball therein to form a ball and socketconnection. The bracket assembly further includes a clamping assemblythat when released allows adjustment of the relative positions betweenthe ball and the socket, and when secured prevents adjustment of therelative positions between the ball and the socket. In particular, theclamping assembly is configured to clamp the socket between the ball anda socket cover. A socket facing surface of the socket cover includessurface features that improve frictional engagement between the socketcover and the socket, further improving the reliability of the clampingeffect of the clamping assembly.

In some aspects, the bracket assembly includes features that preventmoisture from entering the speaker cabinet and the interior spacedefined between the inner and outer brackets. By preventing moisturefrom entering the speaker cabinet and the interior space defined betweenthe inner and outer brackets, the electrical components housed in theselocations are protected from moisture. To this end, the bracket assemblyincludes sealing elements disposed at each end of the speaker wire paththrough the bracket assembly. In particular, a seal is provided at thespeaker wire opening of the speaker cabinet, and at an outer surface ofthe inner bracket. In addition, the bracket assembly includes a gasket?Seal disposed between mating surfaces of the inner and outer bracket,the gasket seal surrounding the inner space defined between the innerand outer brackets that includes the electrical connectors. Finally, thebracket assembly includes a further seal disposed in the speaker wirepassageway within the ball stem, which prevents moisture that enters theball and socket joint from entering the interior space via the ballstem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an audio speaker device that ismounted on a support structure using a bracket assembly.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the audio speaker device as seenalong line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the audio speaker device ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the bracket assembly as seen alongline 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of the outer bracket andinner bracket, with the connector and clamp assembly omitted forclarity.

FIG. 7 is an exploded rear perspective view of the outer bracket andinner bracket, with the connector and clamp assembly omitted forclarity.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the inner bracket.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the outer bracket.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the ball and socket joint.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the outer bracketincluding the ball and ball stem.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the connector.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the connector.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the connector.

FIG. 15 is an exploded front perspective view of the connector, outerbracket and clamp assembly, with the inner bracket omitted for clarity.

FIG. 16 is an exploded rear perspective view of the connector, outerbracket and clamp assembly, with the inner bracket omitted for clarity.

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the cap.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the cap.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the pin.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the pin.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the audio speaker device of FIG. 1illustrating a device orientation that is angled approximately 45degrees downward relative to the horizontal.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the audio speaker device of FIG. 1 illustratinga device orientation that is angled approximately (plus) 45 degreeslaterally relative to the vertical.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the audio speaker device of FIG. 1 illustratinga device orientation that is angled approximately (minus) 45 degreeslaterally relative to the vertical.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an audio speaker device 2 includes a speaker6 disposed in a speaker cabinet 4, and a bracket assembly 10 that isused to secure the speaker cabinet 4 to a support structure 8 such as apost, wall or ceiling. The bracket assembly 10 includes an inner bracket20, an outer bracket 40 and a connector 60. The inner bracket 20 is agenerally tray shaped member that is configured to be mounted on thesupport structure 8. The outer bracket 40 is configured to be mounted onthe inner bracket 20. To that end, the outer bracket 40 includes agenerally tray shaped base that receives the inner bracket 20. The outerbracket base cooperates with the inner bracket 20 to define an interiorspace that houses electrical connections between the inner and outerbrackets 20, 40 as discussed in detail below.

The outer bracket 40 includes the ball 100 of a ball and socket joint12, and the connector 60 includes the corresponding socket 70. The ball100 and socket 70 cooperatively engage to allow the angular orientationof the speaker cabinet 4 to be adjusted relative to the outer and theinner brackets 20, 40. In particular, the ball and socketinterconnection between the outer bracket 40 and the connector 60 allowsarticulation over a wide range of angles in two orthogonal planes, asdiscussed in detail below. In addition, the bracket assembly 10 includesfeatures that reliably retain the ball 100 and socket 70 in a desiredrelative angular orientation, as discussed in detail below.

Referring also to FIG. 3, the inner bracket 20 includes electricalconnectors that may be electrically connected to the speaker wires ofthe audio system, which may be delivered to the inner bracket 20 throughthe support structure 8. The outer bracket 40 is configured to bemounted on the inner bracket 20. The outer bracket 40 includeselectrical connectors 220 that automatically engage with the electricalconnectors 210 of the inner bracket 20 when the outer bracket 40 ismounted on (e.g., becomes mechanically engaged with) the inner bracket20. The bracket assembly 10 includes a wiring harness 230 that iselectrically connected at one end to the outer bracket electricalconnectors 220 and at the opposed end to the speaker 6. To that end, thewiring harness 230 extends through the interior space defined betweenthe inner and outer brackets 20, 40, the ball stem 110, the ball 100,the socket 70 the socket stem 64, the connector plate 60, and thespeaker cabinet. The bracket assembly 10 includes features that resultin the electrical connection between the inner bracket and outer bracketelectrical connectors 210, 220 upon assembly of the outer bracket 40with the inner bracket 20, as discussed in detail below. The bracketassembly 10 includes features that allow the electrical connectionbetween an audio source (not shown) and the speaker 6 to be hidden froman exterior view of the audio speaker device 2, as discussed in detailbelow. The bracket assembly 10 includes features that prevent moisturefrom entering the interior space between the inner and outer brackets20, 40 that encloses the inner bracket and outer bracket electricalconnectors 210, 220, including moisture that penetrates into the bracketassembly 10 via the ball and socket joint 12, as discussed in detailbelow. The outer bracket 40 and the connector 60 include features thatallows articulation of the ball and socket joint 12 over a wide range ofangles in two orthogonal planes, while accommodating passage of thewiring harness therethrough, as discussed in detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, the inner bracket 20 of the bracket assembly 10is disposed within the outer bracket 40 and is configured to secure theouter bracket 40 to the support structure 8. The inner bracket 20 isgenerally tray shaped and includes an inner endwall 21 that issurrounded by an inner sidewall 28. The inner end wall 21 has an inwardfacing surface 22 and an outward facing surface 23 that are bordered bya common peripheral edge 26.

A first wiring through hole 27 is formed in the inner endwall 21. Thefirst wiring through hole 27 provides a port through which a signal wire9 extends. For example, the signal wire 9 may be electrically connectedto the audio source and carry the audio signal from the audio source.The inner endwall 21 also includes fastener through holes 33 thatreceive fasteners such as screws that are used to secure the innerbracket to the support structure 8.

The inner sidewall 28 protrudes from the inner endwall peripheral edge26 in a direction normal to the inner endwall inward facing surface 22.The inner sidewall 28 has a first edge 31 that is joined to the innerendwall 21, and a second edge 32 that is parallel to, and spaced apartfrom, the first edge 31. A height of the inner sidewall corresponds tothe distance between the inner sidewall first edge 31 and the innersidewall second edge 32.

The inner sidewall 28 has four sides 28(1), 28(2), 28(3), 28(4), andincludes a pair of long sides 28(2), 28(4). The long sides 28(2), 28(4)are equal in length and are joined at a first end 24 of the innerendwall 21 by a first short side 28(1), and are joined at the opposed,second end 25 of the inner endwall 21 by a second short side 28(3),where the second short side 28(3) is parallel to, and slightly longerthan, the first short side 28(1). The height of the long sides 28(2),28(4) at the inner endwall first end 24 is less than the height of thelong sides 28(2), 28(4) at the inner endwall second end 25. An innerbracket longitudinal axis 34 extends through and is perpendicular to thefirst and second short sides 28(1), 28(3).

The inner sidewall 28 includes grooves 80 that are formed in an outwardfacing surface 30 of the inner sidewall 28. Each groove 80 is generallyL shaped and thus has a non-uniform groove width, where the groove widthrefers to a dimension of the groove 80 in a direction parallel to theinner sidewall first edge 31 in the vicinity of the groove 80 and theinner bracket longitudinal axis 34. In particular, each groove 80 has agroove first portion 81 having a first groove width wg1, and a groovesecond portion 82 having a second groove width wg2. The second groovewidth wg2 is greater than the first groove width wg1. The groove firstportion 81 is spaced apart from the inner sidewall first edge 31. Thegroove first portion 81 intersects the inner sidewall second edge 32,and the intersection of the groove first portion 81 with the innersidewall second edge 32 defines a groove opening 83. The groove firstportion 81 extends toward the inner sidewall first edge 31 andcommunicates with the groove second portion 82. The groove secondportion 82 is spaced apart from the inner sidewall second edge 32 and isdisposed between the groove first portion 81 and the inner sidewallfirst edge 31. Each groove 80 includes a groove shoulder 84 at thetransition between the first groove portion 81 and the second grooveportion 82. In use, the grooves 80 receive and retain tabs 90 providedon the outer bracket 40, as discussed below.

The inner bracket 20 includes an inner endwall ramp 160. The innerendwall ramp 160 is an inclined feature that protrudes inward from theinner endwall inward facing surface 22. The inner endwall ramp 160cooperates with a corresponding outer endwall ramp 170 provided on theouter bracket 40 to facilitate formation of a secure mechanicalconnection and moisture seal between the inner bracket 20 and the outerbracket 40, as discussed in detail below.

The inner endwall ramp 160 is spaced apart from the inner sidewall 28,and has four rails 166, 167, 168, 169 that are arranged together to forma hollow closed section having a rectangular profile. As a result, theinner endwall ramp 160 has the appearance of a rectangular frame whenviewed in a direction perpendicular to the inner endwall inward facingsurface 22. The inner endwall ramp 160 encircles a central portion 200of the inner bracket endwall 21 when viewed in a direction perpendicularto the inner bracket inward facing surface 22. In particular, the innerendwall ramp 160 includes a first rail 166 that is parallel to the firstshort side 28(1) of the inner sidewall 21, a second rail 167 that isperpendicular to the first short side 28(1) of the inner sidewall 21, athird rail 168 that is parallel and adjacent to the third short side28(3) of the inner sidewall 21, and a fourth rail 169 that is parallelto the third rail 168.

Each rail 166, 167, 168, 169 includes a fixed edge 162 that is joined tothe inner endwall inward facing surface 22, and an opposed free edge 164that is spaced apart from the fixed edge 162. The free edge 164 of theinner endwall ramp 160 has a channel 165 that defines a rectangular seatthat is configured to receive a seal such as a rectangular gasket 154.

Referring to FIG. 6, a height of the inner endwall ramp 160 correspondsto a distance between the ramp fixed edge 162 and the ramp free edge164. The first rail 166, which is disposed adjacent to the inner endwallfirst end 24, has a first ramp height hr1 that is a constant heightalong its length. The third rail 168 has a second ramp height hr2 thatis a constant height along its length, and the second ramp height hr2 isgreater than the first ramp height hr1. The second rail 167 extendsbetween one end of each of the first and third rails 166, 168, and thefourth rail 169 extends between an opposed end of each of the first andthird rails 166, 168. The second and fourth rails 167, 169 have a heightcorresponding to the first ramp height hr1 at a location adjacent to thefirst rail and a height corresponding to the second ramp height hr2 at alocation adjacent to the third rail 168. The height of the second andfourth rails 167, 169 linearly increases from the first ramp height hr1at the first rail 166 to the second ramp height hr2 at the third rail168.

Referring to FIG. 8, the inner bracket 20 includes a pair of innerbracket electrical terminals 210 that are provided on the inner endwallinward facing surface 22. The inner bracket electrical terminals 210 aresurrounded by the inner endwall ramp 160. In the illustrated embodiment,each of the inner bracket electrical terminals 210 is formed of anelectrically conductive U-shaped spring having legs that are springbiased together to form a female socket that is aligned with the innerbracket longitudinal axis 34 and opens toward the inner endwall firstend 24. Each of the inner bracket electrical terminals 210 iselectrically connected to a corresponding electrical conductor of theaudio source signal wire 9.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7 and 9, the outer bracket 40 includes an outerbase 55 and a spherical ball 100 connected to the outer base 55 via aball stem 110 that protrudes from an outward facing surface of the outerbase 55.

The outer base 55 is generally tray shaped and includes an outer endwall41 that is surrounded by an outer sidewall 48. The outer end wall 41 hasan inward facing surface 42 and an outward facing surface 43 that arebordered by a common peripheral edge 46.

The outer sidewall 48 protrudes from the outer endwall peripheral edge46 in a direction normal to the outer endwall inward facing surface 42.The outer sidewall 48 has a first edge 51 that is joined to the outerendwall 41, and a second edge 52 that is parallel to, and spaced apartfrom, the first edge 51. A height of the outer sidewall corresponds tothe distance between the outer sidewall first edge 51 and the outersidewall second edge 52.

The outer sidewall 48 has four sides 48(1), 48(2), 48(3), 48(4), andincludes a pair of long sides 48(2), 48(4). The long sides 48(2), 48(4)are equal in length and are joined at a first end 44 of the outerendwall 41 by a first short side 48(1), and are joined at the opposed,second end 45 of the outer endwall 41 by a second short side 48(3),where the second short side 48(3) is parallel to, and slightly longerthan, the first short side 48(1). The height of the long sides 48(2),48(4) at the outer endwall first end 44 is less than the height of thelong sides 48(2), 48(4) at the outer endwall second end 45. An outerbracket longitudinal axis 54 extends through and is perpendicular to thefirst and second short sides 48(1), 48(3).

The outer sidewall 48 includes tabs 90 that protrude from an inwardfacing surface 49 of the outer sidewall 48. Each tab 90 is elongated ina direction that is perpendicular to the outer endwall inward facingsurface 41. In addition, each tab 90 has a leading edge 91 that is flushwith the outer sidewall second edge 52, and a trailing, edge 92 that isspaced apart from the outer sidewall first edge 51. The leading edge 91is inclined relative to the outer sidewall inward facing surface 49,whereas the trailing edge 92 is normal to the outer sidewall inwardfacing surface 49. The tabs 90 cooperate with the grooves 80 to guiderelative movement of the inner bracket 20 relative to the outer bracket40 during assembly of the bracket assembly 10. In addition, uponassembly, the tabs 90 cooperate with the grooves 80 to retain the innerand outer brackets 20, 40 in the assembled configuration, as discussedfurther below.

The outer bracket 40 includes an outer endwall ramp 170. The outerendwall ramp 170 is an inclined feature that protrudes inward from theouter endwall inward facing surface 42. The outer endwall ramp 170cooperates with a corresponding inner endwall ramp 160 provided on theinner bracket 20 to facilitate formation of a secure mechanicalconnection and moisture seal between the inner bracket 20 and the outerbracket 40, as discussed in detail below.

The outer endwall ramp 170 is spaced apart from the outer sidewall 48,and has four rails 176, 177, 178, 179 that are arranged together to forma hollow closed section having a rectangular profile. As a result, theouter endwall ramp 170 has the appearance of a rectangular frame whenviewed in a direction perpendicular to the outer endwall inward facingsurface 42. The outer endwall ramp 170 encircles a central portion 202of the outer bracket endwall 41 when viewed in a direction perpendicularto the outer bracket inward facing surface 42. In particular, the outerendwall ramp 170 includes a first rail 176 that is parallel to the firstshort side 48(1) of the outer sidewall 41, a second rail 177 that isperpendicular to the first short side 48(1) of the outer sidewall 41, athird rail 178 that is parallel and adjacent to the third short side48(3) of the outer sidewall 41, and a fourth rail 179 that is parallelto the third rail 178.

Each rail 176, 177, 178, 179 includes a fixed edge 172 that is joined tothe outer endwall inward facing surface 42, and an opposed free edge 174that is spaced apart from the fixed edge 172. The free edge 174 of theouter endwall ramp 170 is channel-free.

Referring to FIG. 7, a height of the outer endwall ramp 170 correspondsto a distance between the ramp fixed edge 172 and the ramp free edge174. The first rail 176, which is disposed adjacent to the outer endwallfirst end 44, has a third ramp height hr3 that is a constant heightalong its length. The third rail 178 has a fourth ramp height hr4 thatis a constant height along its length, and the fourth ramp height hr4 isless than the third ramp height hr3. The second rail 177 extends betweenone end of each of the first and third rails 176, 178, and the fourthrail 179 extends between an opposed end of each of the first and thirdrails 176, 178. The second and fourth rails 177, 179 have a heightcorresponding to the third ramp height hr3 at a location adjacent to thefirst rail 176 and a height corresponding to the fourth ramp height hr4at a location adjacent to the third rail 178. The height of the secondand fourth rails 177, 179 linearly decreases from the third ramp heighthr3 at the first rail 176 to the fourth ramp height hr4 at the thirdrail 178.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10-11, the ball stem 110 protrudes outward fromthe outer sidewall outward facing surface 43, and the ball 100 isprovided on the distal end of the ball stem 110. The ball stem 110 ishollow, and the hollow interior of the ball stem 110 provides a portionof a first passageway 105 that receives a portion of the wiring harness230. The first passageway 105 communicates at one end with an interiorspace of the ball 100 (e.g., the ball through hole 102, describedbelow), and at an opposed end with a second wiring through hole 47 thatis formed in the outer endwall 41. The second wiring through hole 47provides a port through which the wiring harness 230 extends. The wiringharness 230 is electrically connected to electrical conductors 220provided on the outer bracket 40.

The ball 100 has a spherical ball outer surface 101, and includes a ballthrough hole 102 that receives a pin 138 that serves both as a pivotaxis and part of a clamping assembly 120, as described in detail below.The ball through hole 102 coincides with a ball longitudinal axis 112that extends in a direction parallel to the outer bracket longitudinalaxis 54 and along a diameter of the ball 100 between a first end 103 ofthe ball 100 and a second end 104 of the ball 100. The ball through hole102 has a first hole diameter d1 adjacent to the ball first end 103, asecond hole diameter d2 adjacent to the ball second end 104, and aninclined hole shoulder 107 disposed at a transition between the firsthole diameter d1 and the second hole diameter d2. In addition, the ballthrough hole 102 has a ball through hole flat 109 that extendslongitudinally between the hole shoulder 107 and the ball second end104. The ball through hole flat 109 is parallel to the outer endwallinward facing surface 42, and is located on a surface of the ballthrough hole 102 that faces the outer endwall 41. The ball through holeflat 109 cooperates with a corresponding pin flat (e.g., second pin flat149) formed on an outer surface of the pin 138 to rotationally locatethe pin 138 within the ball through hole 102, and to prevent relativerotation between the pin 138 and the ball through hole 102.

In addition, the ball 100 includes a first passageway 105 and a secondpassageway 106 that direct the wiring harness 230 through the ball 100.The first passageway 105 extends in a direction perpendicular to theouter bracket longitudinal axis 54 through the ball stem 110 and aportion of the ball 100. In particular, one end of the first passageway105 communicates with the ball through hole 102 and an opposed end ofthe first passageway 105 communicates with the wiring throughhole 47 inthe outer base outer endwall 41. The first passageway 105 is offset froma diameter of the ball 100 so as to be closer to the ball second end 104than the ball first end 103. The second passageway 106 is disposed on anopposed side of the ball through hole 102 relative to the firstpassageway 105. The second passageway 106 extends in a directionperpendicular to the outer bracket longitudinal axis 54 along a diameterof the ball 100. In addition, one end of the second passageway 106communicates with the ball through hole 102 at a location correspondingto the ball through hole flat 109, and an opposed end of the secondpassageway 106 communicates with a wiring opening 108 in the cabinetfacing surface of the ball 100. The wiring opening 108 is elongated in adirection parallel to the outer bracket longitudinal axis 54, andextends from a diameter of the ball 100 toward the ball second end 104.The elongation of the wiring opening 108 provides sufficient space forpassage of the wiring harness 230 while also permitting the socket 70 torotate relative to the ball 100 without interfering with the wiringharness 230.

In some embodiments, the outer bracket 40 including the outer base 55,the ball stem 110 and the ball 100 is formed by injection molding, andthus the ball 100 may include additional vacancies and or surfaceopenings that are required by the molding process in order to reliablyachieve the desired spherical shape.

Referring to FIG. 9, the outer bracket 40 includes a pair of outerbracket electrical terminals 220 that are provided on the outer endwallinward facing surface 42. The outer bracket electrical terminals 220 aresurrounded by the outer endwall ramp 170. In the illustrated embodiment,each of the outer bracket electrical terminals 220 is formed of anelectrically conductive plate that forms a male blade that is alignedwith the outer bracket longitudinal axis 54 and extends toward the outerendwall second end 45. Each of the outer bracket electrical terminals220 is electrically connected to a unique electrical conductor of thewiring harness 230. Each outer bracket electrical terminal 220 isconfigured to automatically engage with a unique one of the innerbracket electrical terminals 210 during assembly of the inner and outerbrackets 20, 40, and more particularly upon engagement of the tabs 90with the grooves 80 as discussed in detail below.

During assembly of the inner bracket 20 with the outer bracket 40, theinner and outer brackets 20, 40 are oriented so the inner and outerlongitudinal axes 34, 54 are parallel and the inner and outer sidewalls28, 48 are disposed between the inner endwall 21 and the outer endwall41. In addition, the first ends 24, 44 of the inner and outer endwalls21, 41 generally coincide except that the outer endwall first end 44 isslightly longitudinally offset relative to the inner endwall first end24 such that the tabs 90 are longitudinally aligned with correspondinggroove openings 83.

The tabs 90 are longitudinally positioned on the outer sidewall 48 suchthat when each tab 90 is aligned with a corresponding groove opening 83,the first and third sides 48(1), 48(3) of the outer sidewall arelongitudinally spaced apart from the first and third sides 28(1), 28(3)of the inner sidewall. In addition, the first and third rails 176, 178of the outer endwall ramp 170 are longitudinally spaced apart from thefirst and third rails 166, 168 of the inner endwall ramp 160. In thisconfiguration, the electrical conductors 210 provided on the outerbracket 40 are longitudinally spaced apart from the electricalconductors 220 provided on the inner bracket 20.

The inner sidewall 28 is inserted into the outer sidewall 48 in such away that the tab leading edge 91 is inserted into the groove opening 83,and the tab 90 is passed through the groove first portion 81 and intothe groove second portion 82.

The irregular groove shape allows the tabs 90 to move longitudinallytoward the inner endwall second end 25 when the tabs 90 have exited thegroove first portion 81 and reside in the groove second portion 82.Thus, the inner bracket 20 is moved relative to the outer bracket alongthe inner bracket longitudinal axis 54 such that the first and thirdsides 28(1), 28(3) of the inner sidewall 28 are moved toward the firstand third sides 48(1), 48(3) of the outer sidewall 48. At this time, theinclined second and fourth rails 167, 169 of the inner endwall ramp 160cooperate with inclined second and fourth rails 177, 179 of the outerendwall ramp 170 to drive the trailing edge 92 of the tab 90 toward thegroove shoulder 84. In addition, the longitudinal movement causes theelectrical conductors 210 provided on the outer bracket 40 to engage andform an electrical connection with the electrical conductors 220provided on the inner bracket 20.

When the inner bracket 20 is assembled with the outer bracket 40, theinward facing surface 49 of the outer sidewall 48 faces the outwardfacing surface 30 of the inner sidewall 28, the inner sidewall 28 isdisposed between the outer endwall 41 and the inner endwall 21, and theinner sidewall second edge 32 faces the outer endwall inward facingsurface 42. In this position, the tab 90 resides in the groove secondportion 82 and abuts the groove shoulder 83. The groove shoulder 83engages the tab 90 and prevents relative movement between the inner andouter brackets 20, 40 in a direction transverse to the respectivelongitudinal axes 34, 54. In addition, the inner bracket 20 is disposedinside the outer bracket 40 in such a way that the inner endwall ramp160 is aligned with the outer endwall ramp 170 in a directionperpendicular to the inner endwall inward facing surface 22, and thatthe first rail 166 of the inner endwall ramp 160 is aligned with thefirst rail 176 of the outer endwall ramp 170 in a directionperpendicular to the inner endwall inward facing surface 22. As aresult, the free edge 164 of the inner endwall ramp 160 faces the freeedge 174 of the outer endwall ramp 170 with a seal 154 compressedtherebetween. In further addition, the inner bracket 20 is disposedwithin the outer bracket 40 such that the outer bracket electricalconductors 210 are electrically connected to the inner bracketelectrical conductors 220.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 10 and 12-14, the bracket assembly 10 includes theconnector 60. The connector 60 includes the socket 70 of the ball andsocket joint 12, and is configured to secure the ball and socket joint12 to the speaker cabinet 4. In particular, the connector 60 includes aconnector plate 61 that is secured to the speaker cabinet 4 for examplevia screws, and the socket 70 that is connected to the connector plate61 via a socket stem 64.

The connector plate 61 has a generally planar cabinet facing surface 62,and an opposed socket facing surface 63. A connector plate peripheraledge 65 joins the cabinet facing surface 62 to the socket facing surface63, and defines a rectangular connector plate profile. The connectorplate peripheral edge 65 includes a first edge portion 65(1), a secondedge portion 65(2), a third edge portion 65(3) and a fourth edge portion65(4). The first and third edge portions 65(1), 65(3) are parallel andspaced apart, and the second and fourth edge portions 65(2), 65(4) joinopposed ends of the first and third edge portions 65(1), 65(3) and areperpendicular to the first and third edge portions 65(1), 65(3). Aconnector plate longitudinal axis 66 extends through and isperpendicular to the first and third edge portions 65(1), 65(3), andwhen the ball and socket joint 12 is positioned as shown in FIG. 8, theconnector plate longitudinal axis 66 is parallel to the inner bracketlongitudinal axis 34 and the outer bracket longitudinal axis 54.

The connector plate socket facing surface 63 is slightly outwardlyconvex such, that the connector plate 61 has a slightly greaterthickness in a center of the connector plate 61 than along its secondand fourth edge portions 65(2), 65(4). The connector plate 61 includeshollow bosses 85 that protrude outward from the cabinet facing surface62. The bosses 85 are configured to receive fasteners such as screwsthat secure the connector plate 61 to the speaker cabinet 4. In theillustrated embodiment, the connector plate 61 includes four bosses 85,one in each corner of the cabinet facing surface 62.

The socket 70 receives the ball 100, and cooperates with the ball 100 insuch a way that the angular orientation of the speaker cabinet 4relative to the support structure 8 is adjustable. To that end, thesocket 70 includes a spherical socket inner surface 72 that confronts anouter surface 101 of the ball 100 in the vicinity of the ball first end103. In addition, the socket 70 includes a spherical socket outersurface 71 that is opposed to the socket inner surface 72, and a socketfree edge 76 that corresponds to a periphery of the spherical portionsof the socket outer and inner surfaces 71, 72. The socket free edge 76resides in a first plane P1 that is parallel to the first edge portion65(1) of the connector plate 61. A gusset 89 extends at an angle betweenthe socket free edge 76 and the connector plate socket facing surface63. The socket 70 includes a socket through hole 73 that extends betweenthe socket outer surface 71 and the socket inner surface 72. The socketthrough hole 73 is elongated, and extends along the contour of thesocket 70 between a socket through hole first end 74 and a socketthrough hole second end 75. The socket through hole first end 74 isdisposed along a first socket axis 87 that is parallel to the connectorplate longitudinal axis 66 and passes through a diameter of the socket70. The socket through hole second end 75 is disposed along a secondsocket axis 88 that is at an angle θ1 relative to the first socket axis87, such that the socket through hole second end 75 resides between thesocket through hole first end 74 and the socket free edge 76. The angleθ1 is in a range of 30 to 45 degrees.

The socket stem 64 protrudes outward from the socket facing surface 63of the connector plate 61, and the socket 70 is disposed on the distalend of the socket stem 64. The socket stem 64 is hollow, and the hollowinterior of the socket stem 64 provides a socket stem passageway 67 thatreceives a portion of the wiring harness 230. The socket stem passageway67 communicates at one end with an opening 79 in the socket innersurface 72, and thus communicates with an interior space of the socket70 (e.g., the space surrounded by a socket inner surface 72). An opposedend of the socket stem passageway 67 communicates with an opening 78 inthe connector plate 61, which in turn is aligned with an opening 5 inthe speaker cabinet 4. The socket stem passageway 67 has a socket stemlongitudinal axis 77 that passes through the ends of the socket stempassageway 67 and is perpendicular to the connector plate socket facingsurface 63. The socket stem passageway 67 has a width wisp that isgreater than a height hsp of the socket stem passageway 67. In addition,the socket stem passageway 67 has a width wsp that is at least 60percent of a width ws of the socket 70. As used herein, the socket stempassageway width wsp corresponds to a dimension in a directiontransverse to both the socket stem longitudinal axis 77 and theconnector plate longitudinal axis 66, and parallel to the socket freeedge 76. The socket stem passageway height hsp corresponds to adimension in a direction parallel to the connector plate longitudinalaxis 66.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, the bracket assembly 10 includes a clampassembly 120 that is used to maintain the ball and socket joint 12 in anassembled configuration and to allow adjustment and securement of therelative positions of the ball 100 and socket 70. The clamp assembly 120includes a cap 130 that overlies the socket outer surface 71, a pin 138that is disposed in the ball through hole 102, and a fastener 122 thatsecures the cap 130 to the pin 138 while clamping the ball 100 and thesocket 70 therebetween.

The cap 130 has the shape of a shallow bowl, and includes a sphericalcap inward facing surface 131 that confronts the socket outer surface71, and an opposed spherical cap outward facing surface 132. The cap 130includes a through hole 133 that extends between the cap inward facingsurface 131 and the cap outward facing surface 132. A hollow cylindricalboss 134 surrounds the cap through hole 133 and protrudes outward fromthe cap outward facing surface 132. In some embodiments, the cap inwardfacing surface 131 includes surface features that enhance engagementbetween the cap inward facing surface 131 and the socket outer surface71. For example, the surface features may include protruding ribs 135,stipples (not shown), knurling (not shown) and/or other frictionenhancing features (not shown).

The fastener 122 is an elongated bolt that includes a head 125, and athreaded shank 126 that extends from one side of the head 125. In use,the head 125 abuts the distal end of the cap boss 134, and the shank 126passes through the cap through hole 133, the socket through hole 73 andextends into the pin 138 which is disposed in ball through hole 102. Theexterior threads of the shank 126 engage the interior threads of the pin138, whereby the cap 130 is secured to the pin 138, and the ball 100 andsocket 70 is clamped between the cap 130 and the pin 138.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener head 125 is disposed withina recess 129 formed in the distal end of the cap boss 134, and a capcover 136 is press fit into the recess 129 so as to overlie the head125. As a result, the fastener head 125 is hidden from view whereby thelikelihood of theft and/or tampering is reduced. Moreover, the cap cover136 closes the end of the boss 134, whereby moisture entry into the balland socket joint 12 via the cap 130 is minimized or prevented.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 19-20, the pin 138 is an elongate hollow tubethat includes a pin first end 139 having a threaded inner surface 142, apin second end 140 that is opposed to the first end 139, and a pinlongitudinal axis 141 that extends through the pin first and second ends139, 140. The pin first end 139 has a first pin diameter dp1 and the pinsecond end 140 has a second pin diameter dp2 that is larger than thefirst pin diameter dp1. In addition, the pin 138 includes an inclinedpin shoulder 146 disposed between the pin first end 139 and the pinsecond end 140 at the transition between the first and second pindiameters dp1, dp2.

The pin 138 is disposed within the ball through hole 102 such that thepin first end 140 resides within the ball through hole first end 103,and the pin second end 140 resides within the ball through hole secondend 104. The pin 138 is radially dimensioned to fit within the ballthrough hole 102 with the pin shoulder 146 abutting the ball shoulder107. The pin 138 is longitudinally dimensioned such that the pin secondend 140 terminates within the ball through hole 102, and the pin firstend 139 protrudes out of the ball 100 and extends through the socketthrough hole 73 and at least a portion of the cap through hole 133,allowing the pin 138 to serve as a pivot axis for rotation of the socket70 relative to the ball 100.

A pair of flats 148, 149 are formed in the outer surface of the pin 138.In particular, a pin first flat 148 is provided adjacent to the pinfirst end 139, and is configured to engage a corresponding cap flat 137provided on a portion of the cap through hole 133. The engagementbetween the pin first flat 148 and the cap flat 137 prevents rotation ofthe cap 130 relative to the pin 138 and ball 100. In addition, a pinsecond flat 149 is provided between the pin shoulder 146 and the pinsecond end 140. The pin second flat 149 cooperates with the ball throughhole flat 109 to rotationally locate the pin 138 within the ball throughhole 102, and to prevent relative rotation between the pin 138 and theball through hole 102, whereby the position and orientation of the pin138 relative to the ball 100 is fixed.

The threads provided on the pin inner surface 142 are configured toengage the exterior threads formed on the fastener shank 126, wherebythe pin 138 is mechanically connected to the cap 130. Moreover,tightening of the fastener 122 relative to the pin 138 causes thefastener 122 to cooperate with the pin 138 in such a way that the pin138 shoulder is drawn against the ball shoulder 107 and thus urges theball 100 against the socket inner surface 72 and the fastener head 125is drawn against the cap outer ward facing surface 132 whereby thesocket 70 is clamped between the ball 100 and the cap 130, and theposition of the socket 70 is fixed relative to the position of the ball100.

The pin 138 includes a first pin passageway 143 and a second pinpassageway 144 that are perpendicular to the pin longitudinal axis 141and extend diametrically through the pin 138 between the pin shoulder146 and the pin second end 140. The first and second pin passageways143, 144 are parallel to each other and each intersects the hollowinterior space of the pin 138. In addition, the first and second pinpassageways 143, 144 each intersect the second pin flat 149. The firstpin passageway 143 is aligned with the second ball passageway 106, andthe second pin passageway 144 is aligned with the first ball passageway105.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the wiring harness 230 has a first end 231that is electrically connected to the terminals 220 provided on theouter bracket 40, and a second end 232 that is disposed within thespeaker cabinet 4 and electrically connected to the speaker(s) 6. Thewiring harness 230 passes within the interior of the bracket assembly 10so that it is hidden from view. In particular, the wire harness 230passes through the second wiring through hole 47 in the outer endwall 42and the first ball passageway 105. Within the ball 100, the wire harness230 passes through the second pin passageway 144, the pin interior spacewhere it exits the second pin passageway and enters the first pinpassageway 143, and passes through the second ball passageway 106. Afterexiting the ball 100, the wire harness 230 passes through the socketstem passageway 67, and the opening 5 in the speaker cabinet 4. The wireharness 230 is electrically connected to the speakers within the speakercabinet 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pin second end 140 is recessed withinthe ball through hole 102 adjacent to the ball second end 104, and a pincover 147 is press fit into the ball through hole 102 at this location.In some embodiments, the pin cover 147 is formed of silicon. The pincover 147 hides the pin second end 140 from view and closes the ballsecond end 104, whereby moisture entry into the ball and socket joint 12via the ball through hole 102 or pin 138 is minimized or prevented.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, in use, the angular orientation of the socket70 relative to the ball 100 is adjusted by removing the cap cover 136and loosening the fastener 122 to an extent that the clamping forceapplied by the clamping assembly 120 is relieved, and the socket 70 isrotatable relative to the ball 100. When the clamping force applied bythe clamping assembly 120 is relieved, the ball and socket joint 12 isrotatable about the ball longitudinal axis 112 through an angle θ3 ofplus or minus 45 degrees relative to the socket stem longitudinal axis77. In addition, the ball and socket joint 12 is rotatable about areference axis 3 through an angle of plus 45 degrees relative to thesocket stem longitudinal axis 77. The reference axis 3 is orthogonal toboth the ball longitudinal axis 112 and the socket stem longitudinalaxis 77. When audio speaker device 2 is mounted on a wall, the angle θ2corresponds to adjustment in the vertical direction and the angle θ3corresponds to adjustment in the horizontal direction.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6 and 10, the bracket assembly 10 includesstrategically placed seals 150, 152, 154, 156 that prevent moisture fromentering the speaker cabinet 4 and the interior space defined betweenthe inner and outer brackets 20, 40. In particular, a first seal 150 isdisposed in the second wiring through hole 47, which is formed in theouter endwall 41. The first seal 150 may be, for example, a cylindricalwiring harness seal that includes axially-spaced circumferentiallyextending ribs formed in an outer surface thereof. The first seal 150 isshaped and dimensioned to plug a gap between wire harness 230 and thesecond wiring through hole 47, thus preventing moisture that infiltratesthe ball and socket joint 12 from entering into the space between theinner bracket 20 and the outer bracket 40.

A second seal 152 in the form of a thin sheet of sealing materialoverlies the inner endwall outward facing surface 23. The second seal152 prevents moisture from entering into the space between the innerbracket 20 and the outer bracket 40 via gaps between the inner and outersidewalls 28, 48 or openings in the inner endwall 28 that permit passageof wires, fasteners, etc.

A third seal 154 is a rectangular frame shaped gasket. The third seal154 is shaped and dimensioned to be press fit into the channel 165 thatis formed in the inner endwall ramp free edge 164. The third seal 154abuts, and is compressed between, the free edges of both the inner andouter endwall ramps 160, 170. In this configuration, the third seal 154surrounds the inner space defined between the ramps 160, 170 thatincludes the electrical connectors 210, 220.

In addition, a fourth seal 156 is disposed within the speaker wireopening 5 of the speaker cabinet 4. Like the first seal 150, the fourthseal 156 is a cylindrical wiring harness seal that includesaxially-spaced circumferentially extending ribs formed in an outersurface thereof. The fourth seal 156 is shaped and dimensioned to plug agap between the wire harness 230 and the cabinet wire opening 5, thuspreventing moisture that enters the ball and socket joint 12 fromentering speaker cabinet via the socket stem 64.

Although the bracket assembly 10 is described herein as supporting aspeaker cabinet 4 as part of an audio speaker device 2, the bracketassembly 10 can be used to support other devices such as monitors, scoreboards, fans, etc., and has particular benefit for supporting deviceshaving electrical wires that can be hidden within the bracket assembly10.

A selective illustrative embodiment of the device is described above insome detail. It should be understood that only structures considerednecessary for clarifying the device have been described herein. Otherconventional structures, and those of ancillary and auxiliary componentsof the device, are assumed to be known and understood by those skilledin the art. Moreover, while a working example of the device has beendescribed above, the device is not limited to the working exampledescribed above, but various design alterations may be carried outwithout departing from the device as set forth in the claims.

We claim:
 1. A bracket assembly for connecting a housing to a supportstructure, the bracket assembly comprising an outer bracket thatincludes an outer base, a spherical ball connected to the outer base viaa ball stem that protrudes from an outward facing surface of the outerbase, the ball including a ball through hole that extends through theball in a direction parallel to the outward facing surface of the outerbase, one end of the ball through hole opening at a first end of theball and an opposed end of the ball through hole opening at second endof the ball, a first outer bracket passageway that extends through theball stem, one end of the first outer bracket passageway communicatingwith the ball through hole and an opposed end of the first outer bracketpassageway communicating with an opening in the outer base, and a secondouter bracket passageway that extends through the ball, one end of thesecond outer bracket passageway communicating with the ball through holeand an opposed end of the second outer bracket passageway communicatingwith an opening in the ball, an inner bracket that is configured tosecure the outer bracket to the support structure, the inner bracketbeing at least partially disposed within the outer bracket, an endwallof the inner bracket including an opening that is aligned with the firstouter bracket passageway, a connector including a connector plate thatis secured to the housing and a socket that is connected to theconnector plate via a socket stem, the socket including a sphericalsocket inner surface that confronts an outer surface of the ball and aspherical socket outer surface, the socket stem including a socket stempassageway, one end of the socket stem passageway opening at the socketinner surface and an opposed end of the socket stem passagewaycommunicating with an opening in the connector plate, a cap having aspherical cap inner surface that confronts the socket outer surface anda cap through hole that extends between the cap inner surface and a capouter surface, an internally threaded pin disposed in the ball throughhole, a fastener having a fastener first end that abuts the cap outersurface, the fastener extending through the cap through hole and havingan external thread that is engaged with the pin internal surface, thefastener cooperating with the pin in such a way that the socket isclamped between the ball and the cap whereby the position of the socketis fixed relative to the position of the ball, an electricallyconductive wire that extends through an interior of the bracketassembly, a first seal disposed between the wire and the opening in theouter base, the first seal configured to prevent moisture from enteringa space between the inner bracket and the outer bracket, a second sealdisposed on an outward facing surface of the endwall of the innerbracket, and a third seal disposed between the outer bracket and theinner bracket, the third seal encircling an electrical terminal that isdisposed in the interior between the inner bracket and the outerbracket.
 2. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first sealcomprises a cylindrical wiring harness seal that is configured to plug agap between the wire and the respective opening.
 3. The bracket assemblyof claim 1, wherein the third seal is a gasket having a rectangularframe shape.
 4. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the third sealis disposed between an inclined surface of an inner ramp formed on aninner surface of the inner bracket and an inclined surface of an outerramp formed on an inner surface of the outer bracket.
 5. The bracketassembly of claim 1, wherein the third seal is disposed between aninclined surface of an inner ramp formed on an inner surface of theinner bracket and an inclined surface of an outer ramp formed on aninner surface of the outer bracket.
 6. The bracket assembly of claim 1,wherein the second seal is a sheet of sealing material that overlies anoutward facing surface of the inner bracket.
 7. The bracket assembly ofclaim 1, comprising a fourth seal configured to be disposed between thewire and an opening in the housing, the fourth seal configured toprevent moisture from entering the housing.
 8. The bracket assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the wire has a first end that is electrically connectedto an electrical terminal and a second end that is disposed outside thebracket assembly, the wire passing through the opening in the outerbase, the second outer bracket passageway, the first outer bracketpassageway, a third outer bracket passageway, the opening in the ball,the socket stem passageway, and the opening in the connector plate. 9.An audio speaker device, comprising a speaker cabinet, and a bracketassembly that is secured to the speaker cabinet and is configured toconnect the speaker cabinet to a support structure, the bracket assemblycomprising an outer bracket that includes an outer base, a sphericalball connected to the outer base via a ball, stem that protrudes from anoutward facing surface of the outer base, the ball including a ballthrough hole that extends through the ball in a direction parallel tothe outward facing surface of the outer base, one end of the ballthrough hole opening at a first end of the ball and an opposed end ofthe ball through hole opening at second end of the ball, a first outerbracket passageway that extends through the ball stem, one end of thefirst outer bracket passageway communicating with the ball through holeand an opposed end of the first outer bracket passageway communicatingwith an opening in the outer base, and a second outer bracket passagewaythat extends through the ball, one end of the second outer bracketpassageway communicating with the ball through hole and an opposed endof the second outer bracket passageway communicating with an opening inthe ball, an inner bracket that is configured to secure the outerbracket to the support structure, the inner bracket being at leastpartially disposed within the outer bracket, an endwall of the innerbracket including an opening that is aligned with the first outerbracket passageway, a connector including a connector plate that issecured to the speaker cabinet and a socket that is connected to theconnector plate via a socket stem, the socket including a sphericalsocket inner surface that confronts an outer surface of the ball and aspherical socket outer surface, the socket stem including a socket stempassageway, one end of the socket stem passageway opening at the socketinner surface and an opposed end of the socket stem passagewaycommunicating with an opening in the connector plate, a cap having aspherical cap inner surface that confronts the socket outer surface anda cap through hole that extends between the cap inner surface and a capouter surface, an internally threaded pin disposed in the ball throughhole, a fastener having a fastener first end that abuts the cap outersurface, the fastener extending through the cap through hole and havingan external thread that is engaged with the pin internal surface, thefastener cooperating with the pin in such a way that the socket isclamped between the ball and the cap whereby the position of the socketis fixed relative to the position of the ball, an electricallyconductive wire that extends through an interior of the bracketassembly, a first seal disposed between the wire and the opening in theouter base, the first seal configured to prevent moisture from enteringa space between the inner bracket and the outer bracket, a second sealdisposed on an outward facing surface of the endwall of the innerbracket, a third seal disposed between the outer bracket and the innerbracket, the third seal encircling an electrical terminal that isdisposed in the interior between the inner bracket and the outerbracket, and a fourth seal disposed between the wire and an opening inthe speaker cabinet, the fourth seal configured to prevent moisture fromentering the speaker cabinet.
 10. The audio speaker device of claim 9,wherein the first seal and the fourth seal each comprise cylindricalwiring harness seals that are configured to plug a gap between the wireand the respective opening.
 11. The audio speaker device of claim 9,wherein the third seal is a gasket having a rectangular frame shape. 12.The audio speaker device of claim 9, wherein the third seal is disposedbetween an inclined surface of an inner ramp formed on an inner surfaceof the inner bracket and an inclined surface of an outer ramp formed onan inner surface of the outer bracket.
 13. The audio speaker device ofclaim 9, wherein the third seal is compressed between the inner bracketand the outer bracket.
 14. The audio speaker device of claim 9, whereinthe second seal is a sheet of sealing material that overlies the outwardfacing surface of the inner bracket.
 15. The audio speaker device ofclaim 9, wherein the wire has a first end that is electrically connectedto an electrical terminal and a second end that is disposed outside thebracket assembly, the wire passing through the opening in the outerbase, the second outer bracket passageway, the first outer bracketpassageway, a third outer bracket passageway, the opening in the ball,the socket stem passageway, and the opening in the connector plate.